The first step is to receive an official invitation letter from the host university with details on the terms of your entry (including dates and wages). This letter will serve you with all bureaucratic issues- from visa application to renting an apartment.

Visas –

The process of visa application depends on the postdoc’s country. You should check what are the procedures in the relevant embassy.

It is advisable to check with the university as to your official position, student or staff member, because the type of visa may be different.

In case you work as part of a curriculum (as a doctor in a hospital), check with your university as to whether or not you need a work permit and if so how to receive it.

Be sure to read all the fine print of visa requirements and bring all the needed documents.

If you are supported by a sponsor, be sure to follow up on all the requirements and send in all the relevant documents.

It is highly recommended to contact the host department of the university (international office and your department) before your arrival. They have a lot of experience with foreign researchers and they will be glad to help you with your information and bureaucratic needs. The University can also connect you with local or foreign (maybe Israeli) researchers who can assist you with your first steps.

Social security and medical insurance-

Every country has different laws, so it is very important to check those issues with the university at the beginning of your process. Check with them as to what are the suggested conditions as well as if you need private insurance.

If you need private insurance, you should compare all the relevant Insurance companies before your move. Check all the conditions and don’t forget to insure all your family members (if they are moving with you).

Check if you have a possibility to have housing within the campus and check if this option is attractive for you. Think about the apartment size and its condition, convenient transportation, if it closes to the clinic and shops.

If you have children- check if it closes to kindergartens or playgrounds and whether there are other young families in the area.

If you decide to rent an apartment outside the campus, it is highly recommended to contact local and ask him: where is the best to search, in which neighborhood and other relevant questions.

If you are moving with your family, you should think about it from the beginning of the process and decide together if it’s the best interests of your family and individual family members.

If you have children, you should find out about the local education options and registration procedures. Try to find out a local parent who can help with recommendations.

Explain to your kids in an appropriate way, for their ages, about your move. Consult with their teachers or other professionals about the best way to explain to your children when possible. Be there for them, listen to them, accept their resistance, fear and anger, along with their excitement, and joy. Help them to say goodbye to their friends and family.

Don’t forget to take with you (to/on the plane) all the necessary items and documents. (Immunization records, teddies, and blankies.)

It is important and extremely helpful to have friends in your first steps alone in a foreign country. Therefore it is recommended to attend the activities of the International Office and to join Post-Docs Association on the campus and join relevant FB groups.

Check the validity of your passport (and your family's) and renew it if needed.

Change your address on your ID.

Go to “Israel Post” and change your address there.

To avoid a huge debt when you get back, you should go to Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute of Israel) and update them before leaving. You will receive a payments-book to pay your monthly bill.

Translate important official documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc.), you may need them.

Decide what to do with your car and your house (if you have). If you decided to rent your house, find someone to be “your local eyes” who will take care in any case. Don’t forget to cancel your car insurance.

Decide what do you want to do with your pension and education funds (Keren Hishtalmut).

Consult with your insurance agent.

Open a bank account in your new country

Find the best mobile phone program for you and sign up.

Find out about the transportation options for your equipment and decide which option is best for you. When you are packing, think about the necessary things you will need in the coming weeks and take them with you, because it takes time forever for shipping to arrive.

Sell all the things you don’t need via Facebook or a garage sale.

After all your experiences in Israel (with many good memories), it’s time to leave.

There are some important things to take care before you will get on the plane:

Make sure to finish all your academic and research obligations. Ask the relevant university office for confirmation of what you have done.

If you rented an apartment, make sure with the home-owner that everything is in order.

Check the validity of your passport (and your family) and renew if needed.

If you bought a car, sell it and don’t forget to cancel your car insurance.

Find out with the relevant insurance company how to transfer money from your pension and education funds (Keren Hishtalmut). This is only relevant only if you were paid a salary from an Israeli employer.

Find out about the transportation options for your belongings and decide which option is best for you. When you are packing, think about the necessary things you will need in the next weeks and take them with you, because it takes time for shipments to arrive.